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Monday, May 14, 2018

Heavy Seas Expansion Plan details

(future taproom rendering courtesy of Heavy Seas)

Long been a fan of Heavy Seas and their pioneering ways for better beer in the Baltimore region since the early-to-mid-90s. Owner Hugh Sisson grew into Heavy Seas from his early days in brewing at Sisson's, then at Clipper City, which morphed into Heavy Seas. And nearly five years ago, former Philadelphian Chris Leonard (General Lafayette) was brought on as Heavy Seas' head brewer. Good people there. Full disclosure: they hosted me for a book signing event in their taproom back in 2015, complete with a custom brewed firkin of Loose Cannon.

Speaking of Loose Cannon, they could leave me with that beer alone and I'd be happy. But, other core beers are just as fine including Cutlass Vienna Lager, Powder Monkey Pale, and Peg Leg Imperial Stout. If the Uncharted Waters series of specialty beers released during the year are any indication of the new "freedom" that brewers will have in the 15-bbl brewhouse described below where "no beer style will be off limits", I think the Baltimore area beer lovers will be in for a treat at the new Heavy Seas.

BALTIMORE (May 8, 2018)—Baltimore-based independent brewery, Heavy Seas Beer, has officially begun a renovation and expansion project, due to be completed June 2019. The endeavor will include a full Tap Room renovation and the addition of a new component to the business, a 15 bbl small-batch brewhouse.

“With these renovations, our new guests, along with loyal customers, will now be able to enjoy their beer in a much larger, livelier setting that truly represents Heavy Seas,” said Director of Marketing & Hospitality at Heavy Seas, Sarah West. “Craft beer enthusiasts from all over will be able to visit and sample award-winning favorites like Loose Cannon as well as new, limited-edition beers from the small-batch brewhouse. There will always be something new to try.”

The renovated Tap Room will be seven times larger than the current space and will feature a private event room. The new setting will be transformed into a sleek, modern destination that embodies the Heavy Seas brand.

It’s very important to Heavy Seas to support the local community since Baltimore has been the brewery’s home for the past 23 years. Therefore, local craftsmen are creating one-of-a-kind tables made completely from reclaimed wood, and Maryland-based designers will be enlisted to design imagery for the expanded space and new product offerings.

The addition of the 15 bbl brewhouse will give the team of brewers the creative freedom to develop a series of beers unique to the Tap Room. These limited releases will break away from the more classic styles Heavy Seas is best known for and include beers that experiment with new hop varieties and different yeast strains. No beer style will be off limits, anything and everything is possible. The first releases will be available for tasting as early as June 2018.

About Heavy Seas Beer
Heavy Seas Beer was founded in 1995 and underwent a major expansion in 2010 with the installation of 11 new fermentation vessels and three new brite tanks, expanding brewery capabilities by 160 percent. Heavy Seas Beer now produces 23 different beer styles, distributes to 20 states as well as Washington D.C. and has become one of the most respected and award-winning craft breweries on the East Coast. Heavy Seas was named Beer Connoisseur Magazine’s 2017 Brewery of the Year.

Experience Heavy Seas Beer
The Tap Room will remain open during renovations, allowing guests to watch the transformation as it unfolds. Weekend and insider brewery tours, starting at $7 per person, will continue to be offered with new themes rotating throughout the year. All tours include a souvenir pint glass and beer sampling.

To learn more about Heavy Seas Beer, visit www.hsbeer.com or follow Heavy Seas Beer on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for announcements and special event details.